Advice for an undergrad

[kpx85]

I have been getting a lot of biased opinions lately from members of different departments at my university. I will start applying for graduate school in 3 years. I have two years at my current school for my current option and three years for my second option. My school does not offer a bs in psychology so I decided to double major to be more competitive. Now my problem is choosing my double majors. I will post both options with required classes below.

With the first option, a double with psych and anthropology I would mostly focus on abnormal, neuroscience, and for anthropology, biology emphasis (ecology, human evolution etc).

My second option would be behavioral neuroscience and psychology degree's with a minor in anthropology (already have the minor if I stop taking anthropology classes now). The neuroscience degree is basically a biology degree with a psych research component (full year, like psych degree) and a handful of psych classes. My worry is that I will be spending way too much time on chemistry and biology lowering my overall gpa as I wont do as well in those classes than I need to for clinical psychology.

Sorry that this post is so long, after reading these forums for a while I figured the well educated, well informed members present would help shed some light on my situation! THANK YOU!

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[kpx85]

I made bold the classes I have taken, also, this plan would take me an extra year to complete. More loans. I have no chem or really any progress in biology here.


Neuroscience Major

Chem 1xx – General Chemistry I (5 cr)
Chem 1xx – General Chemistry II (5 cr)
Chem 1xx – General Chemistry III (4 cr)
Chem 2xx—Elementary Organic Chemistry or equivalent (5 cr)
Math 1xx – Precalculus I (5 cr)

Biol 2xx – Evolution, Ecology & Biodiversity (4 cr)
Biol 2xx – Cell & Molecular (5 cr)
Biol 2xx – Organismal Biology (5 cr)
Biol 3xx – Genetics (4 cr)
Biol 3xx – Cell & Molecular Biology (4 cr)
Biol 3xx – Ecology (3 cr)
Biol 4xx – Evolutionary Biology (4 cr; WP3)

Psy 101 – Introduction to Psychology (5 cr)
Psy 2xx – Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience (5 cr)
PSY 2xx Cognition (5)
PSY 3xx Directed Independent Study (1-15)*

Psy 3xx – Overview of Research Methods (5 cr; WP1)
Psy 3xx – Research Methods & Stat Analysis: Correlational Appr. (5 cr)
Psy 3xx – Research Methods & Stat Analysis: Experimental Appr. (5 cr; WP2)

PSY 3xx Cognitive Neuroscience (5)
PSY 3xx Psychopharmacology (5)
PSY 4xx Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience (3)
Psy 3xx – Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience (5 cr)
Psy 3xx – Techniques in Behavioral Neuroscience (4 cr)
Psy 3xx – Comparative Psychology (5 cr)

And these classes to complete psych major, not many as there is a huge cross over between the two degress.

PSY 2xx Lifespan Developmental Psychology (5)
PSY 2xx Introduction to Personality and Abnormal Psychology (5)
PSY 4xx Seminar in Psychological Theory (4)
PSY 4xx Seminar in Abnormal Psychology (3)
PSY 3xx Abnormal Psychology (5)


Anthropology minor completed***

 

[robinsena]

Can you clarify re: your degree? Do you mean that you plan to double-major because you'll be getting a BA in psychology and not a BS?

Not sure if things have changed, but I was able to get into grad school with a BA. My understanding is that the distinction isn't very important between a BA and BS as long as one demonstrates interest and knowledge in research (for PhD) and has some awareness of clinical issues.

 

[kpx85]

Psychology degree

Intro
Abnormal
Behavioral neuroscience
Social
developmental
Cognition

Overview of Research Methods: stats
Research Methods & Stats: Correlational Approaches
Research Methods & Stats: Experimental Approaches

PSY 3xx Cognitive Neuroscience
PSY 3xx Psychopharmacology
PSY 3xx Abnormal Psychology
PSY 4xx Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience
PSY 4xx Seminar in PsychologicalTheory
PSY 4xx Seminar in Abnormal Psychology

Anthropology degree

Biol 2xx – Evolution, Ecology & Biodiversity

Intro
Archaeology
Linguistics
Cultural
Biological
Anthropological Theory
Qualitative Methods in Anthropology

ANTH 3xx The Ecology of Human Variation
ANTH 4xx Applied Anthropology (used to predict human behavoir)
ANTH 4xx Medical Anthropology
ANTH 4xx Borderlands
ANTH 4xx Senior Seminar in Anthropology
ANTH 4xx Portfolio Assembly

 

[kpx85]

Can you clarify re: your degree? Do you mean that you plan to double-major because you'll be getting a BA in psychology and not a BS?

Not sure if things have changed, but I was able to get into grad school with a BA. My understanding is that the distinction isn't very important between a BA and BS as long as one demonstrates interest and knowledge in research (for PhD) and has some awareness of clinical issues.

I guess thats why I am posting on here. I keep getting contradictory information from different people. One of my professors told me getting into a clinical program with a bs would be VERY difficult, others have said just make up the classes you would normally take and address the issue when you apply.

I am double majoring partially because I cant get a bs at my school, and to try and stand out. Again, thats what I have been told so if Im wrong please tell me! I'm here to find out!

 

[PsychApps2009]

Can you clarify re: your degree? Do you mean that you plan to double-major because you'll be getting a BA in psychology and not a BS?

Not sure if things have changed, but I was able to get into grad school with a BA.

Yeah I was confused about this too. If this is the case, a BA is more than fine. I have a BA in psychology (honors but no secondary major or minor) and did very well (applied to research heavy clinical phd programs). Granted, even though my undergraduate stats were strong, I did not apply straight out of undergraduate.

As far as I'm aware the programs I applied to could have cared less about my undergraduate courses except for knowing that I did a thesis (do one if you can) and having taken a research methods and statistics course. This may be different if you have limited research experience though and are applying straight out of undergraduate (maybe others can speak to this?). Your overall degree, IMO, only matters if it has honors (i.e., potential positive) or isn't in psychology (i.e., potential negative). I'm sure double majoring wouldn't be a bad thing, unless of course it pulls your GPA significantly down. I feel GPA and GRE were considered more than my degree/what individual classes I took; beyond that research experience was the most important (and I had plenty of it as an undergraduate and a full-time RA position after I graduated/before I applied).

If you're concerned about being competitive, take time off after your graduate, get a full time, strong, RA position and get in depth research experience and posters and publications out there (i.e., esp. if you are interested in more research heavy clinical PhD programs). Again, IMO, that will open up many more doors for you than your degree.

 

[Psychology 76]

I guess thats why I am posting on here. I keep getting contradictory information from different people. One of my professors told me getting into a clinical program with a bs would be VERY difficult, others have said just make up the classes you would normally take and address the issue when you apply.

I am double majoring partially because I cant get a bs at my school, and to try and stand out. Again, thats what I have been told so if Im wrong please tell me! I'm here to find out!

from the information i've gathered, it seems that there is not much difference between a bs and ba. it's all about what classes you take and what you learn. i'll be getting a ba in psych but my school teaches psychology as a science and is heavily research based.

 

[progter]

The BA/BS argument is really lame in my opinion.

If your school does not offer a BS then take your BA and get as much research experience as you can. If the issue comes up during an interview its a very simple answer: "My school did not offer a BS so I made the best of the situation."

I'd like to see someone who got turned down solely for the fact that they have a BA instead of a BS.

You seem to be on the right track as far as classes and starting early, thats awesome.

 

[deleted176373]

I have a B.A. in psych and was very competitive despite coming from a tier 4 (or lower) state university. There are other (more productive ways) to stand out.

1. Research experience... If you want into a clinical psych Ph.D. program, this is key!

2. Get co-authorship a publication or present a poster, if you cannot do that make sure you can do an undergraduate thesis with your own original RESEARCH.

3. Prep early for the GRE and take it early enough to retake it should you need to.

4. Keep your GPA high, enter every class with the attitude that you have an A and that the instructor will have to take it from you forcefully. Don't accept B's as an undergrad, a B might as well be an F. Once you get to grad school you can whistle B = Ph.D., like the rest of us. 🙂 A few B's won't kill ya as an undergrad, but you want to keep that GPA as high as possible.

5. Get some clinical experience if you can. This will help you stand out... volunteer with some group that will make you stand out as a compassionate and empathic human being so you don't have to try to prove that during interviews or in a statement of purpose.


The whole thing is about setting all the pieces in place so that when you are actually applying to graduate school you have stacked the deck in your favor... plenty of others will have done the same, but many won't and they tend to be disillusioned with the whole process. Even with your best efforts it may take more than one trip through to get into a great graduate program (or even a very average one.) When I refer to "great graduate program" by the way, I mean for you... one that fits you well... many programs are great for some people and lousy for others.... ASU is a great program for hardcore researchers.... it would be a lousy program for me. Meanwhile, USUHS is a great program for me, but would be a horrible program for someone who can't stand the military. So great programs for you is a key consideration and only you can answer that question of what will make a program great in your eyes.

Best of luck.

Mark

 

[futureapppsy2]

from the information i've gathered, it seems that there is not much difference between a bs and ba. it's all about what classes you take and what you learn. i'll be getting a ba in psych but my school teaches psychology as a science and is heavily research based.

Heck, I'd say it's not even so much about the classes once you complete the pre-reqs for programs (or, perferably) the psych degree... BA or BS--I can't imagine anyone on an admissions committee really caring about any distinction in terms of BA v. BS, honestly.

Like Mark said, it's mostly about outside experience: some clinical experience and then mostly research: RA experience (paid or volunteer), strong letters of recommendation from people with knowledge of your research skills, honors thesis (or multiple ones--I did two full theses plus an independent paper [extended lit review] ), presentations and publications. I did two majors (psych and social work) plus a minor (bio), and while I don't regret it, it definitely wouldn't be worth a fifth year in undergrad, IMO. A psych + anthro double major will suit you fine, as would a psych major + anthro minor.

Focus on getting research experience, developing a well-identified research interest, finding opportunities to publish and present research, and getting some clinical experience. Good luck!

 

[kpx85]

OK! So this is what I am talking about. A lot of misinformation I have had to deal with. Also, I am an undergrad but I did work for a while after high school and worked to put myself through community college before transferring to a university so I do have some life experience already (24 now, 26 when I apply for grad school). I am already talking to two of my professors about the possibility of helping them with research and they have said they wanted to see how I did in their classes before they gave me an answer.

I am also volunteering to work with a counseling center, its a position where you sit in on sessions that have to be observed by a third party for one reason or another and will work with a crises hotline starting next year. If I have to work for a year after thats fine, I will still apply for the following year but wont get my hopes up too high!

Again, thank all of you. I have seriously had three teachers (at community college level) almost gasp in horror to hear I wouldn't be getting my bs in psych. WEIRD.

my last question would be this then. My current advisor said the anthropology degree could possibly make me stand out because it would show I had a greater understanding of the human condition, is that possibly true or should I just take elective psych classes?

 

[robinsena]

my last question would be this then. My current advisor said the anthropology degree could possibly make me stand out because it would show I had a greater understanding of the human condition, is that possibly true or should I just take elective psych classes?

On what basis is he/she making this statement? I'm really not being sarcastic, but it's good to know what rationale your advisor is using when telling you that.

If you have the time for you, an anthro degree wouldn't hurt, but if you have limited time/energy I would make taking elective psych courses a priority. It is not only a matter of helping you be a competitive applicant if you have decided to pursue psych grad school, but those electives may help you fine-tune your specific interests within this field and help you develop a sound narrative for your grad school essays (e.g. personal statement, research/clinicial interests, etc.) This is just my opinion though.

 

[progter]

OK! So this is what I am talking about. A lot of misinformation I have had to deal with. Also, I am an undergrad but I did work for a while after high school and worked to put myself through community college before transferring to a university so I do have some life experience already (24 now, 26 when I apply for grad school). I am already talking to two of my professors about the possibility of helping them with research and they have said they wanted to see how I did in their classes before they gave me an answer.

I am also volunteering to work with a counseling center, its a position where you sit in on sessions that have to be observed by a third party for one reason or another and will work with a crises hotline starting next year. If I have to work for a year after thats fine, I will still apply for the following year but wont get my hopes up too high!

Again, thank all of you. I have seriously had three teachers (at community college level) almost gasp in horror to hear I wouldn't be getting my bs in psych. WEIRD.

my last question would be this then. My current advisor said the anthropology degree could possibly make me stand out because it would show I had a greater understanding of the human condition, is that possibly true or should I just take elective psych classes?

theres a reason those professors are teaching at a CC

 

[Wildcat06]

theres a reason those professors are teaching at a CC

Ouch. That was a little unnecessary (although they are wrong).

Keep in mind some of us (including some of us in fully-funded research institutions) don't even HAVE a psychology degree. I have a BS in journalism with a psych major. One of my classmates also got into a balanced program with the same combo. So really don't worry about it.

And don't waste your time/money on another major unless you're doing it for yourself. I do not believe it will help your odds.

 

[kpx85]

On what basis is he/she making this statement? I'm really not being sarcastic, but it's good to know what rationale your advisor is using when telling you that.

If you have the time for you, an anthro degree wouldn't hurt, but if you have limited time/energy I would make taking elective psych courses a priority. It is not only a matter of helping you be a competitive applicant if you have decided to pursue psych grad school, but those electives may help you fine-tune your specific interests within this field and help you develop a sound narrative for your grad school essays (e.g. personal statement, research/clinicial interests, etc.) This is just my opinion though.

They had said it would demonstrate I would be able to handle a larger class load by taking more 400 level classes. I do enjoy anthropology, specifically the physical side. However I love psychology and if double majoring would not specifically help me I would rather take 6-7 elective psychology classes and get to know more prof's a little better.

 

[robinsena]

They had said it would demonstrate I would be able to handle a larger class load by taking more 400 level classes.

I guess... but I don't know much that will help you as an applicant. I never had an interviewer look at my transcript and remark on my courseload. I do not think that is a convincing argument to take anthro. You should take it if you like it, but I don't think it will make you a significantly better applicant if you do that. Sorry to say, I don't think your advisor really knows that much about the grad school admission process for psychology.

You're much more likely to get questions about your research/clinical interests and in general your perspectives on the field of psychology. I think taking electives will help you in this (as well as in the other ways I mentioned above).

 

[kpx85]

I was beginning to wonder about some of the conflicting information I was getting. Since I have a minor in anthropology already I may just take all of the psychology classes I am interested in. If I do that I can take all of the neuroscience and upper level abnormal classes they offer. Thank you for the responses.